What does it mean to be “of service”, to “civically engage”, to work towards “social justice”? Are these phrases synonymous with or critical of one another? In this series, we will read together pieces from writers, poets, teachers, and orators such as Jane Addams, Martin Luther King, Jr., Toni Cade Bambara, Eve Tuck, Gwendolyn Brooks, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Robin D.G. Kelley to explore how different thinkers have navigated through these complicated, human questions. By exploring their words, we will begin to craft our own sense of what it means to live with, and be responsible for, each other.
This Reading & Discussion Series will take place between 12:30 and 2pm over five consecutive Fridays at Phebe’s Tavern & Grill located at 359 Bowery @ E. 4th Street. The precise dates are October 18, October 25, November 1, November 8, and November 15.
**Lunch is not included, but coffee or tea is free for all who participate.**
Reading and discussion will be facilitated by the Urban Democracy Lab’s Associate Director Rebecca Amato, a historian whose research and writing focus on the intersections between cities, space, place, and memory, with a special focus on mobilizing the public humanities for social justice advocacy. In her role at the Urban Democracy Lab, she manages two fellowship programs for students interested in learning the skills of community engaged research. She also teaches courses in partnership with New York-based organizations, including Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation in Melrose, Bronx; Southside HDFC/Los Sures in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn; and Cooper Square Community Land Trust on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Space is limited and priority will be given to those who commit to being part of every conversation over the course of the five weeks. To request participation in the group, please fill out the application linked below and via the RSVP link BY OCTOBER 14.
https://forms.gle/ZyhfUNZae5oGNhzy7
All participants will have FREE on-line access to all readings and a blog-based discussion forum. The Urban Democracy Lab is grateful to Humanities New York for its support of this exciting program.
RSVPNew York University and Gallatin provide reasonable accommodations to people living with disabilities who wish to attend events at the School. For every event, Gallatin staff will be on hand to assist guests. Please note that the entrance at 715 Broadway is wheelchair accessible. To request accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter, assistive listening devices, or large print programs, or should you have questions regarding accessibility for an event, please contact Gallatin’s Office of Special Events by emailing events.gallatin@nyu.edu or by calling 212-992-6328. Should you need an accommodation, we ask that you send your request as early as possible so that we have time to fulfill your request.